The four of you have answered the call of the Tiboros family of Nisroch. No matter if you arrived alone, or with one of the other three people who make up this group, you are answering the call for help from a influential family. Your reasoning... gold, fame, help with a issue that only someone with connection could take care of... whatever that reason is, you are here.
Arriving, you were met by an older man who is clearly the butler, the majordomo of this household. You have all been taken to a large sitting room and were the man who gave no introduction gestures for you all to enter; "Please, sit. Master Tiboros and his wife will be with you shortly. I will have refreshments brought to you while you wait. Your journey must have been exhausting." Not waiting for a response or allowing questions, he turns and leaves.
The room you are sitting in is a large room with 13 foot vaulted ceilings. You find four large sitting chairs and two love seats sitting in a crescent around a stone fireplace that is home to a warm crackling fire. The warmth and smell of herbs added to the fire make this room welcoming, almost calming. There are paintings of a man and a woman who clearly is his wife, along with three girls of various stages in their lives. The newest one hangs above the stone mantel of the fireplace, it is off all five people together. Flanking the fireplace are two full bookshelves.
After a bit of time servants in sheer silk robes come in with a tray of mugs for each of you, along with a tray of bread, cheeses, sliced fruit, and dried meats. One of the serving girls speaks up; "Would you like water or spiced wine?"
Aelssa sat, and gently removed one of her helmet and then one of her gauntlets to take a slice of cheese. It still felt odd to her, wearing her armor without any of the religious iconography, but she was certain that her goddess would understand. "Water will suffice, thank you." She responded to the servant. She took a moment to remind herself that she was here to play the role of a mercenary. An easy enough role to play...
A gruff looking, though still young at 30, half-orc named Togam stood at almost 7 feet tall. His grey-green skin only visible at his hands and face. The rest of him wore sturdy, drab grey pants and a thick, padded, blood-red leather overcoat under a chain shirt and a clean white cloak billowed down his back. The blood-red leather gauntlets he had removed upon arriving and tucked into his belt also matched his blood-red leather boots. He looked every bit a soldier, complete with an orc horn-bow and great-sword strapped to his back. Oddly, for a road-weary traveler, there was not a spot of dirt visible on his clothes or boots, all looked freshly laundered.
Togam nodded as the butler left abruptly. "Not exhausting really. I am used to the road." He said absently to the three around him while taking in the room. Perhaps he would finally get a decent score from this job. He wasn't even sure why he had decided to take this job in the first place. It was quite different from his usual job guarding wagons and caravans. I'm getting bored. He remembered. He thought of himself as among the best at what he did. But it's not like caravan guard was the sort of title that held much esteem. He could do it comfortably his whole life, until he retired or was killed on the job. And monotony held it's perks.
Here, he already did not know what to expect. But he was excited, and also worried that he was far too deep in the sort of thing that men like him were ill suited for. Surely those three in the room with him were already judging and wondering what someone as rough-looking as him could do to help this family. He stood up a little straighter and eyed the bookshelves, striding over to see what kind of books they held. He had never been one to read much, You can barely read!, But perhaps even looking at them would make him seem more sophisticated than he was. He couldn't focus on or care much about the books for long and soon found himself studying the paintings. No boys to strengthen the bloodline. he thought to himself.
At the smell of food brought by the servants he remembers how hungry he is. "Water." He helps himself the the bread and meat and cheeses. He could never handle the sweetness of many fruits. He had been told before that his tongue was as sour as his face. The one who had said it to him had had his face left a little less pretty afterwards.
Not at all, my fathers coach was quite comfortable.
He takes a seat, sitting the poise and posture of a noble. His elegant clothing made of fine silks and furs. He wears a necklace which carries a large, pure red ruby. His long, black hair runs down nearly to his waist. His piercing blue eyes slowly take in the room.
I'm not sure who is better off, this monsieur, or my father. I see how they know each other. All daughters, mildly interesting. I wonder if father was considering a marriage? Unlikely, considering the differences of race. Along with several other aspects.
When Togam speaks, he casts a cock eyed glance his way.
Yes, I am sure. He remarks. Then as he walks over to the books and picks one up.
I wonder if he can read.
Do be careful, don't want to get one dirty. Depending on the book it can be quite expensive. Though, one must commend the pursuance of literature. It can be remarkably exciting and informative. Do you read? You are not sure if Tarathiel is being condescending or genuine in his speaking. However he does stand and walk over to him. He glances through the books as well.
Quite the collection...
please, my good sir, Spiced wine. I've always found the taste enjoyable.
Togam quickly puts the book back that he was holding. He had no idea how much any of them were worth, though he assumed it could be a lot considering the mansion holding them. "Not too often. I am usually traveling. Managing the security of merchant's caravans and other travelers." That was a bit of an embellishment, but not untruthful. Best to put on a good front.
Once the three whom have arrived have their drinks and small plates of food, all but two of the servants stay behind. Keeping the food tray filled with what is taken, no mug allowed to go dry. You are given enough time to have you fill before you hear someone approach the door once again. It is the majordomo who showed you in; “Introducing Lord Tiboros.” Wish a slight bow, the man side steps the door allowing an older gentleman through the door.
Scanning the room disappointment crosses his forehead and brow. “It appears that only three have arrived. Promptness is what I expect moving forward as soon as the fourth arrives.” Lord Tiboros moves and snatches the fourth mug and holds it out expectantly. One of the two servants move forward and begins filling it with spiced wine. As she is pouring; “My wife will join us later, she is distraught and is collecting herself. The task is simple. Travel to Karpad and discover what has happened to our poor Anya.”
The tapping of heals walking down the hall to the room as the majordomo speaks up once again; “Introducing Lady Tiboros.” with the same bow as her husband, he side steps allowing a middle aged woman through the door. Even with red puffy eyes mar her face, her beauty is still present. She gracefully slides besides her husband; “Always so cold, my love.” she turns and smiles towards the three of you. “Thank you for answering our call. A year ago, our youngest daughter, Anya, married a baron from Karpad. She would wright us frequent letters of their lift together. Just two months ago she gave Stepan Boroi a son. She was overjoyed in her letters. But then her letters mentioned Stepan’s growing paranoia and erratic behavior. Three weeks ago her letters stopped altogether.” Grasping her husband’s hand; “We are seeking answers.”
Lord Tiboros speaks up; “Yes, answers. We have heard of your previous exploits and hope the reputations are true. If you travel to the rural barony and ensure that our daughter, and grandson, are safe we will give you four a sum of 5,000 gold. A token of thanks for your trouble.” He takes a drink from his mug.
Both awaiting replies.
At Togam's statement He seems mildly disappointed.
Ah, a pity, you should look into purchasing some books of your own. Find a variety you enjoy. Be it... fiction, or historical.
This sounds messy, noble intrigue. I see why father wanted me to do this... Ugh. Though, the gold I suppose is nice. Likely, far insufficient to cover whatever we will be sticking our noses in though...
He glances to the other two present.
Though, likely to them its an exuberant amount for such an "easy" task.
He then moves to stand before the man and wife, directing his attention to them.
Yes, I hope all is well. I'm sure the... drain, of motherhood is to blame. Yes, I will help you, as requested. He gives a noble bow as he accepts their request.
Though, I must ask why you cry, while it has only been a few weeks? Are you that afraid for her?
If so, why did you arrange for her to marry him? A rural barony surely isn't a particularly powerful ally.
Lost in studies again, Tristan! It’ll be the end of you one of these days if you aren’t careful, especially here. Annoyed at himself for running late to his latest job, Tristan hurriedly walks through the halls. This job had gained him access to Nidal and it’s possible secrets. Now, all of that would be at risk before he had found anything interesting.
He sees a women in fine clothes enter the room ahead of him. “Introducing Lady Tibros” he hears announced. Great Nethys, he exclaims in his head. He trots up to the doorway and catches the Lady’s request.
After Taratheil’s reply, Tristan walks through the doorway, bows, and begins by apologizing. Milord and malady. I do hope you will forgive my tardiness. The archives are much further from your manor than I anticipated.
Your situation sounds grievous, Malady, he continues. Though, I have to agree with the gentleman; there is most likely an innocent explanation. Nevertheless, an answer is need, if only to soothe the mind and heart.
Has there been any word on the barony in recent days? Tristan asks inquisitively. And what details can you give us about this paranoia your son-in-law was experiencing?
Togam stood straight and watched the door as the Lord and Lady Toboros were introduced and the situation laid out. Perhaps there is a good use to me being here. Any trouble with this Baron will likely need my blade.
The elf noble and the recently arrived scholar were asking the right questions. He decided to stay quiet and let them. He could not think of anything useful to interject with. But he could do one thing that might mean something. He had learnt it from his limited time in the orc tribe he had grown up in before being kicked out by the new chief for being a half-blood. They had never wanted to accept him as a fully matured orc and so he had been forced to find another way to survive.
"My Lord and Lady, by my ancestors, my clan and my blood, I vow to find the answers you seek and return to you with them." There wasn't a higher binding that he knew of. He had never made such vows to any merchant before but he felt that a noble might need more assurance than a merchant, though he was careful not to promise the safety of their daughter. That might not be possible if their fears were real. Five thousand gold pieces, even split four ways was a larger sum than he had ever received for a single job. He could imagine the doors to similar jobs that might open if he was successful here.
Aelessa listened intently, both as the lord spoke and then as Tarathiel, Tristan and Togam responded. It occurred to her that her name should have started with a T as well. An odd thought, which she knew was a way of dealing with stress. Togam, in particular, stood out in his response. The man was truly intimidating, but his statement was one of honor. Proof that appearances could be deceiving. And likewise, she had to remind herself that she was playing the role of a mercenary when she spoke. "I'm in." She said, stopping herself from adding any flourish which might give her faith away.
Lady Tiboros’ eyes narrow as they fix themselves upon Tarathiel; “I pray your heart changes before you have children of your own. Calling into question the heartache of a parent that is caused by a hurting child…” She turns her attention to the rest of the group; “Anya mentioned to us Stepan’s odd behavior, it is as if he is a completely different person. Our fear..” glancing at Tarathiel “is also for our grandson that we have yet to meet.”
As Tristan arrives Lord Tiboros speaks up; “And our fourth… The most recent news has been three weeks. We wait expectantly for a letter to arrive each day, but it has yet to arrive.” takes one last drink of spiced wine, he sets down his mug and points to the tray of meats, cheese, fruit, and bread; “Please have a refreshment. I am sure your journey was rough to cause such a delay in arrival.” continuing on; “I know it might seem as if my wife is… overreacting. But, Anya is our youngest. They have a special bond and have written each other weekly since she was wed to the baron. In the end, I would be thrilled if there was an innocent explanation. If not, we would be heartbroken had we not acted.”
A smile comes across the Lady’s face with such a bold yes from the half-orc. Her smiles continues with the only woman of the group’s I’m in. “There is one last request we have. We would prefer if you were not to involve any Nidalese authorities in this matter. This is the reason we hired you four in the first place.”
Aelessa does not get the feeling that they are withholding any information, or even trying to skew or sidestep any questions. The Lady’s concern seems genuine.
there it is.
I never meant to offend my lady, nor question. I am an elf, and weeks is much shorter for those of my kind than others. In the grand scheme of it all, that is. He gives a small bow.
I have no problem with not involving them, but, may I ask why?
With a polite bow, Tristan heads to the table of refreshments. He thinks to himself while looking over the table. Not upset with me. Good. Reputation, perhaps? Well, regardless, moving forward. He grabs a handful of small berries and eats them slowly as he turns his attention back to the conversation, not want to stuff his face full until matters are settled.
This is a personal matter. No need to involve the authorities, Tristan says flatly. Do you have a letter of introduction for us, in case there in any suspicion to our visit?
Lady Tiboros responds to Tarathiel; "When authorities begin digging into matters of the noble houses, it puts those houses in bad light. People begin to talk, lies begin to spread, and we do not want anything to impact us or Baron Stepan, Anya, or our grandsons future.."
Lord Tiboros turns to a writing desk in the room. Pulling open a drawer to retrieve a piece of paper, he uses a quill and ink and begins writing. Once he is finished he folds the paper, pours wax on the fold, and as it begins to dry presses the Tiboros signet into the wax.
Lord Tiboros holds the paper ou two Tristan; "This should suffice. Give this to Anya, and she will know you were sent by us." Pausing for a moment; "Is there anything else you need from us before you set out?"
Looking at the lady, her demeanor has calmed down since the four of you have agreed to the task of checking on Anya and her son.
Togam nods at the things the others suggested, it wouldn't do to show up as strangers. But then, if something was wrong, it might give warning that they were coming. The soldier part of him could not help it. These matters are not battle. If it could be helped anyway. He looked at the others to see if they had anything else to say. He was ready to set out.
Aelessa almost said that she would pray for their daughter's safety, but caught herself. Rather, she said "We will do all that we can, and hope to return soon with good news. Until then, please try not to overly worry."
Thank you. Tristan says with a nod as he take the letter. He puts it away carefully in his bag. We will find out what is going on with your daughter and bring you word soon.
He will wait until the others are ready and head out with them as a group.
Could we be lended horses, or perhaps a cart or wagon? Other than that, I'll certainly look into this for you.
He gives a bow as he speaks.